A Study of Chicago Settlements and Their Districts

Abstract

N INETY years ago when the village of Chicago was considering incorporation as a city, it was confined to the area between the river and the shore of the lake. Early commercial interests were choosing sites along what as yet was an unnavigable stream, but which, if developed, promised to be for some time not only the chief but the sole means of transportation other than three or four miry roads which led into various parts of the hinterland. One of the first important undertakings of the city was that of straightening and dredging the mouth of the river. Although the population of the city was small none could deny that it was increasing rapidly, and industry continually manifested its tendency to locate in proximity to transportation. Products of the Great Lakes region were brought into the city by boat, manufactured articles were sent away, and after the completion of the canal, grain, stone, etc., were barged up from their sources along the south branch of the river. In I848 the first ten miles of the present Chicago and Northwestern Railroad were completed, and by I870, the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy, and the Illinois Central were in partial or complete operation connecting the city and the East with the Middle West as far as the Mississippi River. By as early as I875 a panoramic view of the city would have indicated a central hotel, commercial and residential area, with the smokestacks of industry rising out along the river banks and rail lines. MUTUAL STIMULATION OF LABOR AND